I have been diagnosed the thalassemia beta minor and have been suffering with iron deficiency anemia. I am intolerant(i believe allergic) to red meats(animals with 4 legs) and every iron pill(tried so many different types) so far seems to give the same reaction to eating meat - nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and usually i do not eat for about 4 days. I was given iron dextran and had a severe reaction within minutes(seizure). I saw a hematologist and was told to take prenatal vitamins as all other treatments except blood transfusions would probably kill me. My dr. also told me to use cast iron pots to cook with, that too seems to make me ill, not as severe as the pills/meat but I tend to stop eating for about 2 days. I feel like i am getting worse, I seem to be running a fever constantly. When its hot outside i seem to be cold and vice versa. My nails are getting very brittle and breaking a lot. my digestive system seems to be off completely, i have not been eating well, pretty much only being able to drink milk. my iron level currently is 4, saturation at .05 hemoglobin at 113, but i was told that it will always be lower than normal. Question 1. what level are blood transfusions usually recommended? 2. should i be looking at any other causes for my conditions/treatment? 3. Currently I take it that this will be something i have to live with, what would be a rough estimate of my life expectancy. I just want an honest answer with out the sugar coating that i have been getting so far.